2010 Toyota 4Runner redesign

Comments

I have ordered a new 4runner in which I have been waiting over 8 weeks for. The concern I have with this new vehicle is; will it be recalled. The 2010 Toyota Tacoma is now under recall and isn't the 4runner built on this this trucks frame/chassis. I do not know much about the technology/engineering on these new vehicles, but is there a correlation here for a futures recall on the electronic braking or does the 4runner run a different program that is not effected. If anyone out there knows of any information on this it would be greatly appreciated. The vehicle is to arrive at port this week and should be at my dealership within two weeks so before I sign away I would like some assurance that the 4runner is going to be exempt from these problems. Thanks for your time...

Not sure if anyone will know this answer for sure. the problem with toyota now is that we will not know until they inform us. Uncertainty will haunt this company and owners of its vehicles for some time. I wish I had waited a few more months to purchase a vehcile and found out about these issues. I would not have purchased a Toy.

I think it will be the other way around. Toyota needs to gain confidence back and I think they will now over communicate things to make it clear that they are acting of everything that comes up.

Only time will tell. I don''t currently have a toyota as most of their models don't appeal much to me, except this new 4Runner. Wife and I really like it - we are just waiting to see if there is any $$ offered across the whole portfolio to rebuild customer interest.

I hear you though - if I had just purchased I too would be a bit concerned.

I purchased a 2010 SR5 Toyota 4Runner in Dec.09.I wish someone would explain to me,why did toyota do way with the following features that were on my 2008.mud flaps,locking fuel door,running boards,linited slip rear end,locking differential,cross members on roof rack,power assist tail gate,the knob for engaging the4X4. The shift lever to engage the 4 wheel drive is hard to engage also almost inpossible to engage low range 4 wheel drive. Mud flaps and running boards are not available from toyota or after market! My wife wont drive this cheapened version of the former 4Runner! She needs a foot stool to get in the thing and has problems engaging the 4 wheel drive system. Toyota in their drive to be #1 in the auto industry is making the same mistakes as the former big three. ITS FOR SALE,any takers!

Well, first of all, didn't you notice these items missing when you bought it? Secondly, running boards are available (dealer installed option) according to at least one other poster on this board. Try another dealer.

It's quite obvious the "bean counters" were involved when it came to what items would be deleted from standard (or not even available) equipment on this redesign. Spend 40K and not get a locking gas cap...I mean really!

I personally, would never buy one (I own an '05 Sport Edition) because lack of a V8 (I tow a trailer) is the deal killer for me!

I just finished myself the first oil change at 5k miles (although I could have done it close to 10k miles but since it is the 1st oil change, I chose not to wait longer) on my 2010 4Runner Limited 4WD with NAV and as an FYI for those of you DIY it is quite a challenge and a bit lengthy process... but I liked the fact the main oil drain plug and oil filter cap (where it houses the element) is perfect vertical, so there is no chance for any sludge build up ... as an FYI, make sure you have the necessary torque settings for all the components involved for the oil change and do not forget there is a center (kind of hidden) plastic clip that connects the front bumper cover lower with the engine under cover sub-assembly that you need to remove in order to access the oil filter cap.

Oh yes, I used 100% fully synthetic Mobil 1 0W-20 ... I had hard time to find it a month ago at Walmart so I had to go the extra mile to a non local Walmart store and got 6 qts and later on I found another 12 quarts at my local Walmart store at almost $6.50 per quart... I am waiting to find the single 5 quart can as it is more convenient and cheaper ...

The one Toyota delarship is selling is from what their parts department tells me a re branded Mobil 1 fully synthetic for Toyota ...

As an FYI, I use 100% fully synthetic Mobil 1 for over 15 years now on my vehicles.

You can get the dealer to order you running boards part #00016-89035. They stopped putting the locking door on the fuel because the reason it was on there was to keep from getting your fuel stolen. But now the only way to get the fuel out is to drop the tank due to a diaphragm they put in there for safety. The cross bars for the roof rack should be out soon. Every time Toyota comes out with a new model it takes awhile for the accessory department to get caught up. The SR5 is the base model maybe check out the limited to see if it has more of what you were looking for.

Unless you live in an area devoid of teenagers & pranksters you should definitely be concerned w/someone putting a harmful substance in your gas tank. Happened to me on an older 4Runner, but was spotted by an eagle-eyed mechanic before it damaged my engine. Still costly to fix. You "may" not live where there is vandalism, which I seriously doubt as it's an American disease, but you definitely will drive your car somewhere that will make it vulnerable. Heck, even University parking lots are suspect. Toyota, put back the damn locking fuel lid!

Absolutely from another potential 4Runner customer. I can not image that it cost more than $50 at production time (likely less). Make it an option. There are so many items, the 2009 had, that were deleted beyond the V8, that have placed my purchase on hold. Forget the new gimmics like the stereo tailgate option, and the slideout cargo area.

so putting a locking gas cap cover will prevent thieves or whoever from stealing gas or putting something down your gas tank? gimme a break, a 5 year old kid could pry that cover open even WITH the locking cover with a screwdriver. if someone wants at it, that lock aint gonna stop anyone...get a stant locking cap even u are really concerned - any aftermarket cap however may make engine light come on

In regard to the dude that changed his oil at 5k, toyota does NOT recommend any oil change on the new 4R until 10k. While it is not proven, there may have been additives in that oil that help with the engine break in.

Breaks WILL squeak if sitting for prolonged period until all rust is removed by pads pressing against rotor. nothing wrong with this

That's true. The protection of a locking gas lid is about the same protection you'd expect from the lock on the front door of your home. Any determined thief can break-in your home, your car, or whatever. But as most police departments will tell you, a little deterrence can go a long way, and if you make it easy to do vandalism or theft, etc. your odds have just increased 10-fold for that to become a reality. Given the choice, I'd much rather have a locking lid than not.

Does your prolong period mean sitting for 6 hrs with NO condensation. My 2010 4Runner Limited squeaks every morning when I go to work and night when I leave. My 13 year old Jeep Wrangler never squeaked like that and I paid half the price for the Jeep. The metal on the 4Runner is so thin the dryers at the car wash can dent the hood. And to others... the new 4Runner is now based off the FJ chassis, that is why its interior is wider. I'm not saying the the 4 isn't a nice ride, I just think the early models have bugs, the transmission at times just doesn't know what to do and I think that's just a program issue. I bought the 97 Wrangler(brand new design) when it first came out and swore to myself that I would not buy a new design right out the gates again because of bugs, the 98 solved the bugs, but when the new 4 came out I thought maybe just maybe that Toyota was different, nope unless I'm paying 100 grand for a car, all companies have issues, just don't be the test dummies for the 1st six months to a year and buy the new design, buy later... burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me. Won't do it again. Toyota will make things right, it's learning from it's older brothers(the Big 3) what NOT to do, but sometimes you want TOP position and you make mistakes, but the world has a funny way of reminding you don't sh*# where you eat. I'm off my soap box!

The Manual for the 2010 4Runner SR5 recommends an oil change at 5,000 mile intervals. I will comply with that interval recommendation because I want to maintain the integrity of my warranty. This is one of the first things the dealer looks for when something goes wrong and you are seeking warranty work with regard to internal engine parts. I was told the oil in the 2010 4Runner was synthetic by dealer. If it is a full synthetic I do not understand why, after the initial oil change, the interval is so close together. My BMW as full synthetic and the recommended change is 15,000 mile intervals.

Although the manual for the 2010 4Runner states to change the oil every 5,000 miles, you will receive according to TCS a new maintenance booklet that will show the change from 5,000 miles or 6 months to 10,000 miles or 1 year (official date per USA Toyota Corporation is January 6, 2010) which ever comes first. I just changed the oil on my 2010 4Runner Limited 4WD with NAV at 5,000 miles (although I could have waited longer) but I chose to, since it is the first oil and I performed 95% of the 5,000 miles on highway could enough to get me a good break-in of the engine with 27.2MPG at 50-55mph as a proof. My 2nd and subsequent oil changes will be closer to 10,000 miles interval, which I hope, I will have received the official maintenance booklet by Toyota Corporate by then...

In conclusion, my understanding is all the new Toyotas that use 0W-20 fully synthetic engine oil the interval for the change will be at 10,000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first... I hope this clear any confusion related to the oil change topic with the 2010 4Runner...

Also, per TCS (800-331-4331) the break in period is 500 miles and the engine oil from the factory (1st oil in the engine) does NOT have any special additives so no issue to change the engine oil at 5,000 miles or less...

In the Warranty and Maintenance Guide for my 2010 4runner, on page 38 it specifically states, as the first line item under 5,000 miles of 6 months, "Replace engine oil and oil filter." I had planned on changing the break in oil at 1000 miles or so (a ritual associated with all of the previous new cars I had owned), but based on other discussions on this forum about possible extra anti-scuff additives in the factory oil, and lack of any mention by Toyota of early oil change, will probably 'split the difference' and change the break in oil & filter at 2500 or so.

I agree with previous post. I will be changing the oil before first 5,000 miles, no matter what the change date/miles recommend. Good to know about the lack of additives in the factory oil (first oil in engine). Thanks for the update. Total miles so far on my SR5 - 2,300 miles. Aside from having the cross-bars and not knowing how to put them on, I am very pleased.

The superior qualities of synthetic oil have allowed the oil change intervals to be extended from 5,000 miles or 6 months to 10,000 miles or 1 year whichever occurs first.

If your vehicle is driven under "Special Operating Conditions," the oil change intervals will remain at 5,000 miles or 6 months:

Special Operating Conditions include:&#149; Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads&#149; Towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading&#149; Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32°F / 0°C&#149; Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for extended periods such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use

If you have any questions regarding your driving conditions, please contact the service department at your local dealership. You may obtain contact information for dealerships in your area by visiting www.toyota.com/dealers.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html.

Now with 9K miles under its belt I continue to find my '10 4Runner Limited very uncomfortable. Maybe it is me but the drivers position is uncomfortable in really any seat position I have tried.

The door sill is very high and visibility is not good. The interior profile of this truck is certainly higher than an average truck and makes seat position/visibility challenging IMHO. Seats too are too firm and are not a comfortable seating surface.

... on the contrary, I find this beast (owner of 2010 4Runner V6 Limited 4WD with NAV driven so far about 5,500 miles) to be the most comfortable one compared to my previous 2 4Runners (1999 4Runner V6 Limited 4WD, 2006 4Runner V8 Limited 4WD). About 4,000 miles of the 5,500 miles I drove every day both ways 400 miles going to work for initial training for two weeks and I would not have made it, if it had not been for the comfort the beast provided for me 7 hours of driving each day (set the cruise control and let it go...), what an amazing vehicle ...